A new report from major international conservation groups found protected areas need to be better enforced and monitored.

TEN PERCENT OF the ocean and 17 percent of terrestrial and inland waterways by 2020. That was the goal world leaders set almost a decade ago to work toward protecting the planet.

Protected areas, space on land and in water cordoned off from human commercial interests, are essential for preserving biodiversity, scientists increasingly warn. The diverse array of plant and animal species contained in protected areas not only create a vibrant natural environment, they also provide valuable services like cleaning air and water and keeping human diseases in check.